Glass City Jungle

Two releases sent out today by the office of Governor Ted Strickland, the first is on the creation of the Northwest Ohio Solar Energy Hub and the second calls upon the United States Senate to pass an extension for unemployment benefits.

Strickland Announces Northwest Ohio Solar Energy Hub in Toledo
Toledo, OH–Governor Ted Strickland today announced the designation of the Northwest Ohio Solar Energy Hub as an Ohio Hub of Innovation and Opportunity to strengthen and create job opportunities in Ohio’s solar industry.

The Northwest Ohio Solar Energy Hub will focus on promoting entrepreneurship, economic development and commercialization in the solar industry by bringing together top solar researchers, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, education institutions, trade associations and training providers.

“By pairing Northwest Ohio’s glass manufacturing legacy with its innovative research and university strengths, this hub will help accelerate the growth of Ohio’s solar industry,” Strickland said. “The hub designation is an important part of our economic and urban revitalization plan to create good jobs while establishing Ohio as a leading supplier of clean energy.”

The hub partners include The University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, Owens Community College, Penta Career Center, Terra Community College and Northwest State Community College into a hub of educational institutions dedicated to helping the solar industry of Ohio continue to grow and prosper.

Hubs are designed to leverage a region’s resources and investments to attract clusters of connected businesses, encourage new investments and an influx of talented workers and help to create new opportunities to grow jobs and develop Ohio’s key industries. A $250,000 state grant, administered by the Ohio Department of Development, will help support the hub.

“We are excited about the collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Solar Energy Hub of Innovation. I know that this will be a great asset to the City of Toledo,” said Mayor Michael P. Bell.

This is the third Ohio Hub, following the Cleveland Health and Technology Corridor Hub announcement in Cleveland on June 3, and the Ohio Aerospace Hub announcement in Dayton on September 8, 2009. The Ohio Hubs program develops a unique, concentrated environment that spurs innovation, company growth, employment, capital investment, product sales and community development in designated areas.

“The Northwest Ohio Solar Energy Hub builds upon key solar industry assets in the region,” said Mark Barbash, Assistant Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “This hub complements our economic development strategy to help foster a concentration of companies and research that helps to grow jobs in Ohio’s driver industries.”

To be designated an Ohio Hub a region must identify core strengths and develop a strategic plan for urban revitalization. The designation consists of a commitment from both the state and region to work collaboratively and target economic development efforts toward building upon those identified strengths.

“The University of Toledo has been a proud partner with Governor Strickland and the Ohio Department of Development, and has been a solar industry leader in Northwest Ohio for decades,” Lloyd Jacobs, President of The University of Toledo. “As UT’s photovoltaic reputation continues to expand nationally and internationally, the designation of the Northwest Ohio Solar Energy Innovation Hub will help draw further attention to the great work and economic opportunities in the region.”

“BGSU looks forward to strengthening its partnerships with The University of Toledo, as well as with leaders in business, the Ohio Department of Development and economic and community development organizations, to create new high-tech jobs and companies for our region,” said Dr. Carol Cartwright, President of Bowling Green State University. “This initiative is the next step in expanding Northwest Ohio’s role as a national leader in solar and advanced alternative energy.”

Governor Calls on U.S. Senate to Pass Jobless Benefits
Columbus, Ohio–Ohio Governor Ted Strickland issued the following statement today in light of media reports that indicate the US Senate needs only one additional Republican vote to pass an extension of unemployment benefits.

“Tens of thousands of men and women in Ohio, and millions around the country, were laid off through no fault of their own. Now, many of those same individuals are losing unemployment benefits because some Washington politicians have been more interested in winning political arguments than doing what is right by the people. The Senate is apparently within one vote of passing this important extension, possibly as early as today. I ask the Senate to take swift action to advance this bill so that the House can concur and Ohio families will continue to receive these important benefits.

“Ohio, like many states, is beginning to recover. Congressional inaction would undercut our steady progress by pulling the rug out from under those who have been hardest hit by the Wall Street recession.”